Wood County Beaches Open for 2019

Lottery and Gaming Credit Awareness Week

Posted
5/13/2019
by
Heather L. Gehrt

DATE: May 9, 2019

FROM: Heather L Gehrt, Wood County Treasurer

May 13 – 17 Lottery and Gaming Credit Awareness Week

The Wood County Treasurer’s Office, in conjunction with the Wisconsin County Treasurer’s Association and supported by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, is dedicating the week of May 13 – 17 as Lottery and Gaming Credit Awareness Week.

The lottery and gaming credit is a reduction on your real estate tax bill. To qualify for the lottery and gaming credit, the property owner must be a Wisconsin resident and must use the dwelling as their primary residence as of the certification date of January 1st. If temporarily absent, typically for a period no longer than 6 months (hospital, vacation, etc.), it is the home to which the property owner returns. A property owner may claim only one primary residence [sec. 79.10 (1) (dm), (9) (bm), Wis. Stats.]. Rental properties are not eligible for the lottery credit and gaming credit and should have it removed.

Heather L Gehrt, County Treasurer, is recommending that all eligible property owners review their 2018 real estate tax bill to verify they received their lottery and gaming credit. Last year the average lottery and gaming credit in Wood County was approximately $160. The exact amount is based upon the school district in which your home is located.

If you are eligible to apply for a late 2018 lottery and gaming credit with the WI Department of Revenue, go to:

For children, two doses of MMR vaccine are needed for full protection. The first dose should be given at 12 through 15 months of age and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age.

Adults born during or after 1957 who received killed measles vaccine or measles vaccine of unknown type, or who cannot document having been vaccinated with a live vaccine or having laboratory-confirmed measles disease should receive at least 1 dose of MMR. Some people at increased risk of exposure to measles (such as healthcare professionals, college students, and international travelers) should receive 2 doses of MMR separated by at least 4 weeks.

Adults born before 1957 are considered immune and do not need a vaccine.

International travelers: Infants 6 through 11 months of age should receive one dose of MMR vaccine. Infants who get one dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should get two more doses (one dose at 12 through 15 months of age and another dose separated by at least 28 days). Children 12 months of age and older should receive two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days. Teenagers and adults who do not have evidence of immunity against measles should get two doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days.

For a dose to be considered valid, the patient needs some type of document that provides the date the vaccine was given and the type of vaccine administered. If someone has no documentation, they can/should receive an MMR now.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Wood County

Posted
4/25/2019
by
Wood County – UW Extension

In Wood County, there is interest in reducing energy costs by residents, businesses, schools and government offices; employing energy efficiencies in their buildings is a common way to achieve this goal. Community members are also interested in meeting their energy needs using renewable energy sources.

Wood County has compiled information about energy efficiency and renewable energy to provide its residents with a locally-relevant resource on new webpages. The webpages include tips on getting started, incentive and financing programs, policies, laws, and workforce development. In addition, the county is reviewing the permitting process for solar installations to be sure it is streamlined.

2019 Parks Summer Brochure is available online

Drinking Water Testing for High Nitrate - Towns of Armenia & Port Edwards

Posted
3/27/2019
by
Wood County Environmental Health

Recent tests of wells in the Armenia area indicated levels of nitrate above the drinking water standard. Juneau and Wood County Health Departments are working with the DNR and area farmers to provide free nitrate water tests for residents in the Towns of Port Edwards and Armenia. The test will let participants know if the nitrate level of their drinking water is safe for consumption. Water with a high nitrate level is unsafe for infants, pregnant women and women who may become pregnant, as it may cause birth defects. For all other adults and children, some studies have shown that consuming water with high nitrates may cause cancers, thyroid disease and diabetes.

Who: Homeowners from the Towns of Armenia or Port Edwards

What: Nitrate Test bottle pickup at the Juneau and Wood county Health Departments

When: During regular business hours from March 25th through April 5th.

Collect your sample and drop off on the same day sample is collected.

Sample Drop Off Dates:

April 2nd, April 4th, April 9th or April 11th at the Wood and Juneau County Health Departments.

Samples will be analyzed by the Wood County Water Laboratory at no cost. Participants will receive nitrate results within a month. If the nitrate levels are unsafe, a confirmatory test may be taken by County staff followed by an offer of free drinking water and a water treatment system provided by the Armenia Growers Coalition.

The Counties and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources are working together to find a more permanent solution to high nitrates in the groundwater in this area. Questions?? Call 715-421-8911 or 608-847-722, ext 112 for assistance.

2019 Run the Rapids 5K Run/Walk

Registration is now open! Feel free to complete online (link below) or see attached paper registration.

*Register by April 1st to guarantee a shirt and reduced price!*

April is recognized as Child Abuse Prevention month. Please join the Wood County Task Force on Child Abuse in raising awareness of this issue by participating in the 15th Annual Run the Rapids 5K Run/Walk. All proceeds from this event will go towards education and prevention of child abuse and neglect in Wood County.

New Program Offered by Human Services

Posted
3/12/2019
by
dschmutzer@co.wood.wi.us

The LEO (Life Ecology Organization) Program is an engaging 8-session program for youth ages 14-21 in Wood County. LEO explores how the human brain works and why our brain is not really prepared for the challenges of today’s world. The LEO’s program teaches critical tools and strategies to use different parts of your brain to achieve lower stress, better memory, more creativity and most importantly, resiliency! Participants of the program report improved quality of life, less anxiety and depression, leadership when problem solving, clarity of thinking, and even optimism for the future. SIMPLY PUT, you are investing in your personal success when you join the LEO movement!

The LEO Program is a component of the Wisconsin Brighter Futures Initiative and operates as a partnership between CW Solutions and Wood County Human Services. LEO concepts are based on 25 years of exploration, research, and practice from Dr. Raj Nijhawan.

Seeking Committee Member Registered Nurse Applicants

The Wood County Health And Human Services Committee seeks applicants for an opening for a registered nurse citizen member.

A description of the committee and its duties are as follows:

Membership shall consist of five (5) Wood County Supervisors appointed by the County Board Chairperson and four (4) citizen representatives. The four citizen representatives shall be:

a physician,

a registered nurse,

an individual who has demonstrated interest or competence in the field of public health and human services, and

an individual who has received services for mental illness, developmental disability, alcoholism or drug dependency, or a family member of such an individual.

The County Board Chairperson shall appoint 5 county board members to serve on the Health and Human Services Committee. The Health and Human Services Committee shall elect a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Secretary.The Health and Human Services Committee shall have oversight of the following departments: Human Services, Public Health Department, Edgewater Haven, and Veteran’s Service Office. The Committee shall perform the following functions with respect to the departments it oversees: draft proposed budgets; audit the revenues and expenditures pursuant to the approved budgets; study and develop recommendations to the county board pertaining to changes in the budgets, functions, and personnel; and oversee the management of the departments and the services they provide.

The County Board chairman and the chairman of the Health and Human Services committee wishes to invite any registered nurse interested in serving to submit a letter of interest to Trent Miner, Wood County Clerk, P.O. Box 8095, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494 or tminer@co.wood.wi.us by April 1, 2019.

Pets in the Parks

Posted
10/30/2018
by
sgreen@co.wood.wi.us

A friendly reminder to all of our customers that utilize our parks. Your pets
MUST BE ON A LEASH AT ALL TIMES
while on any of the parks properties. This is an Ordinance and if violated, you will receive a citation from the park attendant.
Thank you.
Sandra Green, Office Supervisor
Chapter 600 .08 ANIMALS
(1) Pets. It shall be unlawful for any person to allow pets to enter any public building, bathing beach, picnic grounds, or playgrounds within any county park, or to run at large
at any time on county park grounds. In other county park areas and campgrounds, pets are permitted provided they shall at all times be kept on a leash not more than 10 feet
long. All pets shall be effectively restrained or under the owner's control at all times. No person shall allow his pet to deprive or disrupt the enjoyment or use of any area by others. Pet owners are required to immediately clean up after their pets

September Lunch & Learn

Posted
9/13/2018
by
wyoung@co.wood.wi.us

Each month, the Wood County Health Department, UW-Extension, Healthy People Wood County and Wisconsin Rapids Community Media collaborate to provide a Lunch & Learn to Wood County employees as well as the local community.

Attendees are invited to bring their own lunch and join us for a brief presentation on important and relevant topics.

Congratulations to Kate Carlson, Wood County Distinguished Public Health Employee!

Posted
9/6/2018
by
velliott@co.wood.wi.us

We recognize Kate for her professionalism, inspiration, and outstanding contributions to public health in Wood County and beyond. Kate is a strong leader. She continually strives to actively listen to and understand her clients, co-workers, team members, students, and other’s perspectives to better serve and educate those she comes in contact with. She often goes above and beyond to answer questions and provide accurate information to clients and teammates alike. Co-workers rely on Kate for knowledge and her willingness to help. Kate is known in the community as a reliable resource and is a credible voice for our department. Her strong leadership and mentoring skills help the environmental health team and its customers thrive. It is evident that Kate truly cares about her co-workers and community. Honest, accountable, self-directed, and respectful all describe Kate well. The Health Department’s mission and vision are clearly a part of her everyday work. Her passion for the field is admirable. It is with great pride that we commend Kate for her accomplishments.

Intersection of Lincoln Ave and Adler Rd/CTH Y in Marshfield Closed to East and West Bound Traffic

Posted
8/29/2018
by
Highway Department

Starting Thursday, August 30th, 2018 and extending through the morning of Tuesday, September 4, 2018, the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Adler Road/County Highway Y in the City of Marshfield, WI will be closed to traffic traveling east and west along Adler Road. The closure is due to construction on Adler Road east of the intersection. Traffic traveling north and south on Lincoln Avenue will be open, but reduced to one lane at the intersection.

Drivers are encouraged to find alternate routes for the duration of the closure. A detour for Adler Road/County Highway Y is posted and a map can be found on the Wood County website at https://www.co.wood.wi.us/Departments/Highway. Any questions can be directed to the Wood County Highway Department at 715-421-8875.

Wood County Clean Sweep

Posted
8/28/2018
by
UW Extension

The 2018 Wood County Clean Sweep will be held on Saturday, September 29th from 8:00am-12:00pm at the Marshfield Fairgrounds. Clean Sweep is a voluntary program for the legal and safe disposal of hazardous wastes from homes, farms and businesses. Hazardous chemicals can cause health, safety or environmental problems. Improperly stored or disposed chemicals can pollute lakes, rivers and drinking water.

All Wood County residents are encouraged to participate. Please see the attached brochure for more information.

Wood County Highway Y Road Closing

Posted
7/16/2018
by
ccarmody@co.wood.wi.us

The Wood County Highway Department is announcing County Highway Y (West Adler Street) from Wren Road to Lincoln Avenue in the City of Marshfield & Town of Lincoln will be closed starting Monday, July 30, 2018, for pavement replacement. Motorists should use the signed detour routes and adjust commute times accordingly. The road will be reopened in September.

The closure schedule is:
Starting 5:00 AM Monday, July 30, Wood County Highway Y (West Adler Street) will be closed to through traffic from Wren Road to Lincoln Avenue in the City of Marshfield and the Town of Lincoln. Local traffic will be permitted to use CTH Y (West Adler Street) to access their property within the work zone. Crews plan to reopen the roadway in September.

Offers to Purchase Now Being Accepted

Posted
6/6/2018
by
hgehrt@co.wood.wi.us

The Wood County Executive Committee will accept offers to purchase at the Wood County Treasurer's Office, 400 Market Street, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494, for review at the next Executive Committee meeting.

Property located at 1010 Airport Avenue.

(Interested parties may view the house Monday-Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Please call 715-421-8484 to make an appointment, advanced notice appreciated.)

Assessed Value: $182,600

Listed Value: $169,000

The Committee reserves the right to negotiate any or all offers to purchase or to accept any offer they deem most advantageous to Wood County.

June Lunch & Learn

Posted
6/4/2018
by
wyoung@co.wood.wi.us

Each month, the Wood County Health Department, UW-Extension, Healthy People Wood County and Wisconsin Rapids Community Media collaborate to provide a Lunch & Learn to Wood County employees as well as the local community.

Attendees are invited to bring their own lunch and join us for a brief presentation on important and relevant topics.

Request for Proposal - PLSS Corner Perpetuation & Maintenance

Posted
2/6/2018
by
jconner@co.wood.wi.us

Due By: March 1, 2018, at 4:30 p.m.

Wood County, Wisconsin is seeking proposals for contracted services of a Professional Land Surveyor licensed in the State of Wisconsin to establish and/or maintain PLSS section and quarter section corners as part of the county wide maintenance program. A total of 141 corners have been selected for this RFP. All corners for this project have tie sheets of record and an existing coordinate. Wood County is seeking a lump sum bid for the scope of services detailed in this request for proposal. All proposers are responsible for researching authoritative information that is necessary to respond to this request for proposal.

January Lunch & Learn

Posted
1/11/2018
by
wyoung@co.wood.wi.us

Each month, the Wood County Health Department, UW-Extension, Healthy People Wood County and Wisconsin Rapids Community Media collaborate to provide a Lunch & Learn to Wood County employees as well as the local community.
Attendees are invited to bring their own lunch and join us for a brief presentation on important and relevant topics.

December Lunch & Learn

Posted
12/12/2017
by
wyoung@co.wood.wi.us

Each month, the Wood County Health Department, UW-Extension, Healthy People Wood County and Wisconsin Rapids Community Media collaborate to provide a Lunch & Learn to Wood County employees as well as the local community.
Attendees are invited to bring their own lunch and join us for a brief presentation on important and relevant topics.

Dementia Friendly Organization

Posted
11/17/2017
by
dschmutzer@co.wood.wi.us

Wood County Human Services recently became a “Dementia Friendly” organization. Staff members participated in a training where they learned the basics of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, along with best practices to foster positive interactions and assist people in our community living with memory loss. Training was provided by the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association and the Central Wisconsin Dementia Network. This training is offered to help create dementia friendly communities where people living with dementia are able to remain active members of their local community. Window cling decals are displayed at the main entrances of Human Services buildings to identify our organization as “Dementia Friendly.”

The web link below is a news release from the Department of Health Services and provides a "How-To" Guide for family caregivers of individuals with Dementia.

November Lunch & Learn

Posted
11/6/2017
by
wyoung@co.wood.wi.us

Each month, the Wood County Health Department, UW-Extension, Healthy People Wood County and Wisconsin Rapids Community Media collaborate to provide a Lunch & Learn to Wood County employees as well as the local community.

Attendees are invited to bring their own lunch and join us for a brief presentation on important and relevant topics.

October Lunch & Learn

Posted
10/4/2017
by
wyoung@co.wood.wi.us

Each month, the Wood County Health Department, UW-Extension, Healthy People Wood County and Wisconsin Rapids Community Media collaborate to provide a Lunch & Learn to Wood County employees as well as the local community.

Attendees are invited to bring their own lunch and join us for a brief presentation on important and relevant topics.

August Lunch & Learn

Posted
7/25/2017
by
wyoung@co.wood.wi.us

August Lunch & Learn
Each month, the Wood County Health Department, UW-Extension, Healthy People Wood County and Wisconsin Rapids Community Media collaborate to provide a Lunch & Learn to Wood County employees as well as the local community.

Attendees are invited to bring their own lunch and join us for a brief presentation on important and relevant topics.

Community Resources

Posted
6/19/2017
by
mlarson@co.wood.wi.us

Behavioral (Mental) Health Bike Path - Roadmap
The purpose of this "Bike Path" (or roadmap) is to be a first step for families, and individuals under age 21, with behavioral (mental) health concerns. This easy to read guide helps connect Wood County residents with local, state and federal resources and services.

Wood County Area Mental Health and Substance Use Recovery Resources List
The purpose of this resource list is to provide a list of treatment facilities, recovery groups and other resources in Central Wisconsin for those needing counseling or assistance recovering from substance abuse. The information provided may not be inclusive of all resources, but can support those in need.

Free Wood County Community Trainings

Posted
6/19/2017
by
mlarson@co.wood.wi.us

The Healthy People Wood County Coalitions, Wood County Wellness Program, and UW Extension have hosted several free community training's called Lunch-n-Learns. View the flyers for upcoming training's and the videos of past Lunch-n-Learns (recorded by Wisconsin Rapids Community Media) by following the links below.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Posted
6/19/2017
by
mlarson@co.wood.wi.us

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are serious childhood traumas that result in toxic stress that can harm a child's brain. This toxic stress may prevent a child from learning, from playing in a healthy way with other children, and can result in long-term health problems.

Below are links to the ACE Survey and a handout on understanding ACEs.

May Lunch & Learn

Posted
5/3/2017
by
wyoung@co.wood.wi.us

May Lunch & Learn
Each month, the Wood County Health Department, UW-Extension, Healthy People Wood County and Wisconsin Rapids Community Media collaborate to provide a Lunch & Learn to Wood County employees as well as the local community.

Attendees are invited to bring their own lunch and join us for a brief presentation on important and relevant topics.

March Lunch & Learn

Posted
3/7/2017
by
wyoung@co.wood.wi.us

Each month, the Wood County Health Department, UW-Extension, Healthy People Wood County and Wisconsin Rapids Community Media collaborate to provide a Lunch & Learn to Wood County employees as well as the local community. Attendees are invited to bring their own lunch and join us for a brief presentation on important and relevant topics.

Our next Lunch & Learn is coming up on Thursday, March 16th.

Location: Wood County Courthouse, Room 114
Time: 12:00–12:45 pm
Topic: Bring Back the Family Meal
Presenter: Sarah Siegel, Family Living Educator; Wood County UW-Extension
RSVP: Not necessary, but appreciated for room set-up: Wendy Young at 715-421-8437 or wyoung@co.wood.wi.us

Powers Bluff Long Range Master Plan

Posted
2/2/2017
by
sgreen@co.wood.wi.us

February Lunch & Learn

Posted
2/1/2017
by
wyoung@co.wood.wi.us

Each month, the Wood County Health Department, UW-Extension, Healthy People Wood County and Wisconsin Rapids Community Media collaborate to provide a Lunch & Learn to Wood County employees as well as the local community.

Attendees are invited to bring their own lunch and join us for a brief presentation on important and relevant topics.

January Lunch & Learn

Posted
1/3/2017
by
wyoung@co.wood.wi.us

Each month, the Wood County Health Department, UW-Extension, Healthy People Wood County and Wisconsin Rapids Community Media collaborate to provide a Lunch & Learn to Wood County employees as well as the local community.

Attendees are invited to bring their own lunch and join us for a brief presentation on important and relevant topics.

December Lunch & Learn

Posted
12/5/2016
by
wyoung@co.wood.wi.us

Each month, the Wood County Health Department, UW-Extension,Healthy People Wood County and Wisconsin Rapids Community Media collaborate to provide a Lunch & Learn to Wood county employees as well as the local community.

Attendees are invited to bring their own lunch and join us for a brief presentation on important and relevant topics.

Our next Lunch & Learn is coming up on December 14th.

Date: Wednesday, December 14th

Location: Wood County Courthouse, Room 114

Time: 12:00 – 12:45

Topic: Substance Use, Abuse,Prevention and Treatment

Presenter: Connor A.Tiggerus, LPC, SAC-IT, Therapy Without Walls, LLC

RSVP: Not necessary, but appreciated for room set-up: Wendy Young at 715-421-8437 or wyoung@co.wood.wi.us

Congratulations to Val Elliott, Wood County Distinguished Public Health Employee!

Posted
4/18/2016
by
krauter-egge@co.wood.wi.us

We recognize Val for her exceptional customer service, great attitude, and hard work. Juggling involvement in multiple teams and program areas, Val makes it all come together. Her efforts and hard work on various coalitions and projects does not go unnoticed! Helpful and flexible are traits that describe Val well. She is always willing to take on new tasks- in Environmental Health, Healthy People, Healthy Smiles and other department areas. Whatever the assignment may be, she puts forth 100% effort and completes it in a timely fashion with quality outcomes. Val believes in the Health Department’s proactive approach and has been actively involved in the strategic planning efforts among other department initiatives that align with our mission. Val consistently demonstrates kindness, dependability and strong work ethic. We appreciate Val’s dedication to public health and thank her for her hard work. It is with great pride and honor that we commend Val for a job well done.

Pictures of CAMPSITES available on Facebook!

Posted
4/13/2016
by
sgreen@co.wood.wi.us

We have uploaded pictures of each campsite as well as dimensions of the sites and pads at each campground on our Facebook page. You can better determine if your camper will "fit" in a particular spot, or if it's too sunny, or not close enough to the water.

Click on "PHOTOS", then click on ALBUMS". Scroll down until you find the album you are looking for. Check out our Facebook page and "LIKE" us. Thank you.

Voter Photo ID Now Required for All In-Person Voting

Posted
2/9/2016
by
ctyclerk@co.wood.wi.us

There are currently four elections scheduled for 2016: February 16, April 5, August 9, and November 8. Voter Photo ID will be required for all in-person and absentee voters (with certain exceptions for military, overseas and indefinitely confined electors).

Are you ready to vote? Do you have one of the eight acceptable forms of Photo ID? Do you need to apply for a free Wisconsin ID card?

Wood County Community Health Needs Assessment

Posted
9/16/2015
by
krauter@co.wood.wi.us

The Wood County Health Department, in partnership with Ministry Saint Joseph's Hospital, Aspirus Riverview Hospital and Clinics, Marshfield Clinic, and the Legacy Foundation is working together to determine health needs for Wood County.

Housing Repair Loans

Are you in need of funding for home repairs but unable to secure a loan?

If so, please consider applying for a Central Wisconsin Housing Region loan. The loans are available to:

Low-to-moderate income (LMI) Wood County residents with owner-occupied homes.

Owners of rental units in Wood County that rent to low-to-moderate income (LMI) tenants.

The Central Wisconsin Housing Region covers Adams, Green Lake, Juneau, Marathon, Marquette, Portage, Waupaca, Waushara and Wood County. The program administrator is the Juneau County Housing Authority. This is a program that was created to ensure the community’s ability to conserve, rehabilitate and improve residential properties occupied by low-to-moderate income (LMI) residents.